Possible GSMNP Fall-07 Trip

“Daves picture looks to be the Hyatt ridge trail north of the campsite before the first nasty swale in the ridge. After that the trail(much more overgrown) is on the west side of the ridge. It then reaches the head of Thickett Branch. From there to the saddle is beastly. I did a #&%!$load of crawling, pushing my pack forward. If you are solo and get hurt up there you could be in a world of hurt. If you get lost head down. At least you'll have water.”

“TD, trust edoc on this, he knows what he's talking about. I've bushwhacked with you and been up the old Hyatt Ridge Trail as well. Hell is green and it lies somewhere south of Marks Knob. I really don't care to go there again. Dave's photo is near campsite 44 where the trail is still open.

Raven Fork is as wild and inaccessible as the Smokies gets and the only reasonable route in is Breakneck Ridge. Once you're in the only way to get around is wading the creeks. Almost everywhere that isn't water is impassable rhododendron. Here's my recommendation: Pack like you did for the Upper Ramsay Prong hike and get to CS 44 by lunch. Spend all afternoon and maybe into early evening finding your way down to Three Forks, which is a nice grassy spot on the side of a great swimming hole. Then stay two nights there, using the middle day to explore the area with a day pack. Wading up Middle Fork might get you nearest Dashoga ridge. No telling what's up there. Come back out the same way. I can send you detailed directions.
last edited: 3/29/07 2:11:05 PM”

“Hell is green and it lies somewhere south of Marks Knob.

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“http://www.thebackpacker.com/trips/trip/1244.php

Everything is still fluid of course.”

“Wheres the pic? Its pretty wide open, relatively speaking. One can at least see ground. I say go for it. If it gets marginal then retreat. WHo knows, the forest may be open. Ah, Grasshopper; One never knows what lies around the corner. TD if you determined to do this maybe we can plan in the next 12 months or so (spring '08). I will be in Linville gorge the above dates, telling my brothers (repeatedly), "Trust Me!". In these woods, Hell can be found many places!! You only live once; nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Ring Ring; "Hello"

"Hello Mrs Dawg. You don't know me but the Big Dawg..............."
(Let me see I did that about 4 years ago at Mt Mitchell.
Lesson #1: Be in tip top shape
Lessen #2: Other peoples wives get worried when you call them at 4:30 am from a local hospital but thats another story!)

Off for a dusk hike on Little Sandymush Sunday!”

“I'm determined. I'm also willing to wait for the best timeframe. Let's keep in touch.”

“join my new yahoo group, and help me get things rolling, it should be helpfull! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackingWNC/ Thanks alot , TOM”